Chapter Eight: The fierce battle leads to death as the pearl is swallowed; the five suns risk self-immolation in a blaze.

After a while, the bushes stirred, rustling with a sound, and all the suddenly grown trees began to shrink back. Logically, even if these trees grow rapidly and die quickly, they should wither and shrink away. However, the scene before me was as if the growth process had been reversed, akin to an elderly person gradually becoming younger, transforming into a middle-aged person, a young adult, a teenager, and finally a child. In a short span of time, all the trees had returned underground, and I could see Chilie Fuxi lying on the ground, with that wooden figure squatting beside him. However, the scene before me was as if the growth process had been reversed, akin to an elderly person gradually becoming younger, transforming into a middle-aged person, a young adult, a teenager, and finally a child. In a short span of time, all the trees had returned underground, and I could see Chilie Fuxi lying on the ground, with that wooden figure squatting beside him.

Before Jiang Heng could inquire about what had happened, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble faintly. First, there was a rustling sound, followed by a loud crash. Between Yuan Zhen and Chi Lie Fu Xi, several saplings burst forth from the ground, suddenly growing into large trees that separated the two.

Upon hearing this, the man quickly knelt down and clasped his hands, saying: "I, Mu Tuo, have come to pay my respects to Your Highness, the Fourth Prince"

Do not be alarmed, Fourth Master. Once Yuan Zhen reveals his true form, you will understand clearly

I... my beads..." In the blink of an eye, Yuan Zhen seemed to have weakened considerably, his face devoid of color: "Take... take it back..."

Yuan Zhen is correct; there is only one truth. On both sides, there must be someone who is a master of annihilation. When their identity is revealed, a conflict is inevitable... I must be wary of someone launching a sudden attack

During these three days, as long as Yuan Zhen was in the tree hole, Jiang Heng was always by his side. Moreover, whenever they needed to go out to get something to eat, Jiang Heng would always take Yuan Zhen along. Thus, after three days, everything turned out to be safe and sound

Yuan Zhen, I have retrieved the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl for you, but I also promised these two individuals that I would ensure their safety. I, Jiang Heng, hold my word above all else; keeping my promises is more important to me than my own life. Do not challenge my limits.

Enough! Jiang Heng raised his long sword, the tip pointing at the one claiming to be Mu Tuo: "Stop with this nonsense. Am I here for your amusement? Where is Chi Lie Fu Xi? Call him out!"

Jiang Heng let out a snort and said dismissively, "I don't need your protection. Rest assured, with me around, Yuan Zhen won't be able to harm Chi Lie Fu Xi"

At this point, Jiang Heng established the principle of self-elevation and others' subordination in front of the three individuals. Furthermore, he intended to adopt this attitude in his interactions with all those who would claim to assist him in the future

I understand, you are saying that we need to retrieve the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl, correct

This process took a bit long. Jiang Heng occasionally turned to check on Yuan Zhen's situation, while also paying attention to Mu Tuo's progress in retrieving the pearl. Just as he was starting to feel a bit anxious, Chi Lie Fu Xi suddenly exclaimed "Ah!" as he tilted his head back, opened his mouth to breathe, and a faint light began to emanate from within.

Jiang Heng was at a loss for what to do. He turned to look at Yuan Zhen, only to find him pale, stepping back a few paces, and shouting, "Return it to me!" He thrust his palm forward, directly at the tree trunk, and with a loud "bang," a burst of sparks erupted. After the fire and smoke cleared, it was evident that only a patch of the bark was charred, yet there was no damage whatsoever.

"What a joke, am I supposed to take Fourth Master to Mount Buddha and Demon to meet the Daoist Master? Should I instead head north and deliver him to your Annihilation Lord?"

"Very well, Yuan Zhen, you take the lead and help find a place." Yuan Zhen agreed and turned to leave

Mu Tuo is busy saying: "I ... ... "

"Chilie Fuxi! Chilie Fuxi!" Jiang Heng brandished his sword and rushed to the thicket, calling out loudly: "Come out and speak! If you don't come out, don't blame me for being impolite!"

To overcome all difficulties and assist the Fourth Master in ascending to the throne of the Earth Emperor

"Yuan Zhen, what is wrong with you?" Jiang Heng noticed that his complexion was even worse than before.

Chilie Fuxi swallowed the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl, intending to perish together with Yuanzhen

After pacing back and forth a few steps, the bushes showed no response. Jiang Heng was suddenly enraged and shouted, "Alright! You have forced my hand!"

Jiang Heng looked at Yuan Zhen, then at Mu Tuo, and continued: "Both of you claim that the other is a subordinate of the Extinction Master, and both assert that you are the ones sent by the Daoist Sovereign. In fact, it is not difficult to clarify this matter, but until I have done so, neither of you should take action against the other. Whoever strikes first, I will consider to be the one with a guilty conscience"

He was also left with no choice; otherwise, he would have been burned alive. Mu Tuo said: "I want him to confess as well. But he said that if he doesn't confess, he will drag Yuan Zhen down with him to die, and if he does confess, only he will be doomed to die."

Did I not say to stop playing?

Jiang Hengdao: "You speak nicely, but who knows if it's true?"

You mentioned that you were sent by the Daoist Sect; aside from protecting me, what other responsibilities do you have

"Chiliefu, I beg you to spit out the beads first. The Fourth Prince has already understood." Mu Tuo said while pressing hard on his stomach.

However, Yuan Zhen was not foolish. Seeing him skillfully wielding the iron spear technique, he ceased his attack, allowing his body to shift and once again drift around. The greater the power of the spear technique in Chi Lie Fu Xi's hands, the lighter Yuan Zhen's body became, completely unaffected by force

Jiang Heng interrupted him, saying: "Alright, then this is how it is: I do not want him to die, nor do I want Yuan Zhen to die. Is there any way to achieve that?"

Can you carry him?

No, Yuan is wholeheartedly willing to follow the Fourth Master unwaveringly

It is uncertain whether it was his voice that had an effect, but suddenly a beam of light flashed from Yuan Zhen's body, and a fireball swiftly shot out. Not only did it engulf Chilian Fuxi's short spear, but it also charged directly towards Chilian Fuxi. This happened so quickly that Chilian Fuxi had no time to evade; he raised another short spear, gripping it with both hands, to confront the fireball head-on.

Yuan Zhen was taken aback and had to take a detour. Little did he know that the trees, as if endowed with a spirit, immediately began to sprout and grow vigorously around Chi Lie and Fu Xi, branching out and spreading their leaves, instantly engulfing him in flames, wrapping him so tightly that not a breath could escape.

Chilie Fuxi quickly sprang back, shaking his body to extinguish the remaining flames on him. Yuan Zhen was not willing to let up; the flames in his hands surged, and a pillar of fire shot directly towards him. Jiang Heng had witnessed Yuan Zhen using this pillar of fire to hold up a bronze cauldron weighing several hundred pounds, and its power was not merely the heat of the flames.

Chilie Fuxi observed that the two sides had engaged in over 600 rounds of combat, and if this continued, it was uncertain when it would come to an end. In times of desperation, one must adapt, and suddenly a plan formed in his mind. Seizing the opportunity, he thrust his spear forward, and just as Yuan Zhen was evading, he shook the spear, transforming it into two short tridents. As the heads of the tridents were interlinked, they functioned somewhat like nunchaku, and the front half twisted, swinging directly towards Yuan Zhen's left shoulder

It is you! Jiang Heng recalled the monster from the flower festival

However, the decisions I have made are not something you can obey. How could I, Jiang Heng, dare to hope that you would wholeheartedly assist me? Especially since your magical abilities are so formidable; it would be a hardship for you to be subordinate to me. You have saved me before, and I have saved you more than once; we are even now. You should leave now, and from this point on, we owe each other nothing and shall have no further dealings.

You heard what I just said. Since you claim to be my subordinate, you should trust me. I have stated that I will not allow Yuan Zhen to harm Chi Lie Fu Xi, and I mean it. If you do not trust my words, then you may leave now.

The two individuals found themselves in a situation that was difficult to resolve.

Yes, I am at your service!

Jiang Heng twisted his wrist and took a step forward. Yuan Zhen dodged again, but Jiang Heng followed closely. After several attempts, Yuan Zhen could not escape the restraint of Jiang Heng's long sword. His face flushed, and he couldn't help but shout, "Fourth Master!" There was a considerable tone of anger in his voice

Jiang Heng and Tu Shu's admonition to Yuan Zhen was rooted in concern, yet they did not anticipate that it would inadvertently provoke Chi Lie Fu Xi. Observing that he was struggling to counter this move, they felt a sense of unease. Although the fireball was blocked and could not directly harm him, its size continued to expand.

Chilie was taken aback, his expression changing. Mu Tuo interjected, "How can you speak such nonsense with your eyes wide open? The Daoist Master would be on Buddha Demon Mountain? This is truly absurd!"

What did you call me? Jiang Heng knew he was angry, but he wanted to take this opportunity to teach him a lesson

Jiang Heng was greatly alarmed and shouted, "Yuan Zhen, stop! Stop!"

Jiang Heng thought for a moment and said, "Mu Tuo, you say I am the Fourth Prince. I want to have Chi Lie and Fu Xi killed, and you do not resist, but instead want to die together. Is that right?"

What does the distance to Fomo Mountain mean? Yuan Zhen interjected

Jiang Heng was filled with doubt as he stepped forward and said, "You say he is injured? How did he get hurt?" He saw Chilian Fuxi lying motionless on the ground with his eyes tightly closed. His clothes were scorched in many places, and the skin exposed outside his clothing was covered with a layer of black ash, making it difficult to discern the severity of his injuries

Jiang Heng cursed inwardly: "Damn it, this little brat just doesn't believe in my abilities"

Jiang Heng felt that this was not the outcome he desired and could not help but speak up, asking Yuan Zhen to show mercy. However, it was clearly too late for all of that. As soon as he finished speaking, suddenly there was a loud "boom," and that fireball instantly engulfed Chi Lie Fu Xi.

A gust of wind blew, and two figures appeared before the four individuals

"You need not be so fierce. As for who is right and who is wrong, a simple inquiry in town will reveal the truth. I am too lazy to argue with you all." Yuan Zhen shifted the tone of his speech and continued, "However, I advise you to find an opportunity to leave early, lest someone later claims that I, Yuan Zhen, bullied a patient and a fool, which would be an unfair victory."

Yuan Zhen ignored Jiang Heng, holding the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl, and said: "Fire Feather Phoenix, heed my command. I order you to do everything in your power to reveal the true form of all things engulfed in your Five Yang True Fire! Go!" After speaking, he threw the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl towards the blazing Chi Lie Fu Xi.

"Injured? Go, get him out!" Jiang Heng said, "Even if it means carrying him out, you must bring him to me. Otherwise, if I have to charge in, don't blame me for being merciless."

However ... ...

However, Fourth Master, those two are sent by the Master of Annihilation to kill you. By doing this, are you not allowing the tiger to return to the mountain and nurturing future troubles? I have been entrusted by the Daoist Master and cannot allow you to fall into danger..." With a movement of her body, she attempted to step out of the range of his sword tip

Jiang Heng did not respond, turned around, and said to Mu Tuo: "Mu Tuo, both you and Chi Lie Fu Xi claim to be my subordinates, calling me Fourth Prince, is that correct?"

The one called Mu Tuo bowed again and then got back inside. Although Jiang Heng did not believe that he would be so obedient, the thicket was quite eerie; if he were to rashly enter, he might end up trapped inside himself

Mu Tuo was skeptical and hesitated for a moment, but finally made up his mind and said: "Alright, I don't want to watch Chi Lie and Fu Xi die. If it comes to it, we might as well die together at Yuan Zhen's hands."

Chilie Fuxi and Mu Tuo glared at Yuan Zhen. Yuan Zhen raised an eyebrow, adopting the posture of a victor, and took the lead in proceeding forward

This time, Chilian Fuxi did not change his tactics; as soon as he released the short spear, it spun like a fire wheel, flying straight towards Yuan Zhen. Jiang Heng, fearing that Yuan Zhen might not see it amidst the chaos, shouted loudly: "Be careful!"

The two individuals, Yuan Zhenmu and Taku, are referred to as Ying Nuo.

At this moment, Yuan Zhen found himself caught off guard, quickly lowering his body and rolling away at an angle. Chilian Fuxi, seizing the opportunity, retrieved his short halberd with his left hand and alternated his strikes, sweeping across like a wheel. His short halberd could be extended or retracted at will, and before Yuan Zhen could stabilize his footing and position, he had no choice but to continuously flip backward. Chilian Fuxi pressed on relentlessly, closing in step by step.

"In light of my injuries, everyone has delayed their journey considerably. I suggest that we set off immediately to the nearest town to confirm the distance from here to Mount Fomo with the master of Baoding Temple." This was the first time Chilian Fuxi spoke after his injury, and his intent was to clarify his identity.

Just as he was thinking this, Yuan Zhen stepped forward again. Jiang Heng thought to himself: "Yuan Zhen's strength is probably somewhat inferior to Chi Lie Fu Xi's; if this drags on, it will be quite disadvantageous." He drew his long sword from his back, determined that he must not allow Yuan Zhen to be harmed.

As expected, Chilian Fuxi suddenly threw his short spear with his left hand, startling Yuan Zhen, who ducked to avoid it. In that moment, Chilian Fuxi took the opportunity to evade, extending his right hand to hook the flying short spear and forcefully fling it away. The two short spears aligned in a straight line, suddenly transforming into a long spear. With a couple more flicks, the spear's body extended over three feet, gleaming silver-white and radiating brilliance, beginning to take shape, exuding a fierce momentum that compelled Yuan Zhen to widen the battle circle once more. Jiang Heng thought to himself: "Chilian Fuxi has also noticed."

"Wait! Yuan Zhen, stop right there!" Jiang Heng pointed his long sword, blocking Yuan Zhen's chest.

He took two steps back, waved his sword twice in the air, and then focused his mind, secretly thinking: "Sword, oh sword, although you are not a renowned precious sword, you have been with me for quite some time. As the saying goes, where the sword goes, the person goes; when the sword perishes, the person perishes. We can be considered as life-and-death friends. I know that since you arrived here, you have become a magical weapon with somewhat different powers, but I just do not know how to unleash them. Therefore, I hope you can show your spirit once more, so I can grasp that feeling; otherwise, we might as well part ways!" I know that since you arrived here, you have become a magical weapon with somewhat different powers, but I just do not know how to unleash them. Therefore, I hope you can show your spirit once more, so I can grasp that feeling; otherwise, we might as well part ways!

With a crack, the tree split open in response. Jiang Heng did not expect to succeed on his first attempt; he was overjoyed and, in his excitement, struck a few more times with his sword. However, the fissure in the tree only continued to widen at its own pace, seemingly unrelated to whether he swung his sword or not

Four ... ... Lord Four ... ...

Jiang Heng hurried over to support him, feeling guilty as he said, "It is all my fault; I should not have been suspicious." Jiang Heng thought to himself that if it had not been for the instigation of Chi Lie and Fu Xi, Yuan Zhen would not have been upset. If the two of them had worked together, how could Yuan Zhen have been injured

Mu Tuo laid Chi Lie Fu Xi on the ground and knelt beside him, saying: "With the words of the Four Emperors, Mu Tuo is willing to forever serve as the vanguard for the Emperor, with no second thoughts."

By the morning of the fourth day, Chilian Fuxi was already able to rise and move about

What is it and why?

At that moment, a loud explosion was heard, and flames erupted from Yuan Zhen's entire body. At that time, Chi Lie and Fu Xi were pressing in closely, and with insufficient distance, they inadvertently ignited the fire on themselves.

However, as soon as the formidable Chilian Fuxi brandished his twin halberds, it was as if a wall of bronze and iron had formed before him, firmly resisting the fire pillar of Yuan Zhen. The flames were obstructed in their momentum, scattering and splattering around him, with sparks falling like rain, landing all around his body

As he was filled with doubt and uncertainty, a clump of black, fuzzy substance emerged from the crack and stood before him. The black, fuzzy exterior split open, revealing a person. Upon closer inspection, Jiang Heng realized it was a young man, around twenty years old, draped in a black velvet cloak, hunched and timid, which explained his dark and shadowy appearance

I vented my grievances in my heart, unsure of their efficacy. I recited the newly learned personal mantra several times, raised my sword high, and shouted: "Split apart!" At the same time, with a swift motion, I made a feigned strike with my sword.

Jiang Heng only knew that Yuan Zhen had inexplicably been injured, but he did not know where the injury was. Hearing him mention the bead, he recalled that the Fire Feather Phoenix Bead had indeed not reappeared after it plunged into the fireball of Chi Lie Fu Xi. Could it be that Yuan Zhen's current condition is related to this?

"Yuan Zhen, stop pretending. You deceived the Fourth Prince by claiming you would take him to meet the Daoist Master, yet you led him towards the Buddha Demon Mountain. What is the reason for this? Do I need to elaborate further?"

Mu Tuo was taken aback; not far in front of him, the land began to sprout and grow leaves once again, rustling softly.

Mu Tuo Dao: "Your Excellency the Four Emperors, Chi Lie Fu Xi has been injured. May I find a nearby place to tend to his wounds?"

Although Yuan Zhen's firepower has slightly decreased, Chi Lie and Fu Xi still chose to adopt a defensive stance, which coincidentally swapped the offensive and defensive positions of the two from earlier. Jiang Heng could see that both were holding back their strength, clearly aware of each other's capabilities.

Jiang Heng was about to call out to Chilian Fuxi and Mu Tuo to hurry up when suddenly, a cold laugh echoed from mid-air, saying: "It seems that your so-called plan has already been seen through. Hehe... The master has sent me to tell you that you need not worry any further; just take him to meet..."

Jiang Heng ignored him and turned back, shouting: "And you, Mu Tuo, are not allowed to hide again! What did I just say? Do you think it was nonsense? Stop right now!" Mu Tuo was startled, and the green sprouts that had just emerged from the ground all shrank back in an instant.

"Walk to the right..." Chilian Fuxi said: "The farther you are from that so-called Buddha Demon Mountain, the better."

Chilie Fuxi is injured and unconscious, and has not yet awakened; I fear he will not come.

***

What? Jiang Heng exclaimed: "Why does he have to suffer like this? Tell him to confess quickly."

Jiang Heng realized that the three individuals also desired this. He then instructed the three to walk ahead while he remained outside the designated area to observe. Yuan Zhen, Chi Lie, Fu Xi, and Mu Tuo naturally maintained a certain distance from each other.

Mu Tuo was taken aback and murmured: "Mu Tuo and Chi Lie Fu Xi have been entrusted by the Daoist Master to come and welcome the wise monarch of the future world, and I vow to protect the Fourth Prince's safety with my life, opposing the threats from the Lord of Annihilation. Hey... if the Fourth Prince, whom I regard as more important than my own life, were to turn against me and insist on killing Chi Lie Fu Xi to save the subordinates of the Lord of Annihilation, then..." He shifted his tone and said resolutely: "Then please, Fourth Prince, kill me first... If someone as loyal and righteous as Chi Lie Fu Xi must die, then I, Mu Tuo, do not wish to live any longer." As he spoke, his voice was choked with emotion, filled with uncontainable rage.

Are you being coerced, rather than acting voluntarily

Jiang Heng found it somewhat amusing when he referred to the tree as wood, but upon realizing the implication of his words—that these rapidly growing trees were actually his doing—he could no longer laugh.

Thus, they remained in a stalemate for quite a while. Yuan Zhen suddenly shouted and stepped forward, transforming the fire column in his hand into fist-sized fireballs, which he continuously hurled at Chi Lie Fu Xi. Jiang Heng understood that Yuan Zhen's previous fire column attack had consumed a considerable amount of energy, so he closed the distance and switched to a sporadic firepower assault to conserve his stamina.

Mu Tuo nodded

Jiang Heng saw that the two were about to argue again, so he said: "It doesn't matter which way we go. While I am not afraid of trouble, I also do not believe that being a little farther from somewhere will make us any safer. Let's go left."

Jiang Heng pointed his sword and said, "Then I will cut open his belly, and I can still retrieve the pearl."

I am fine..." Yuan Zhen slowly stood up and was about to walk towards Chi Lie Fu Xi.

Jiang Heng was concerned and thus became flustered. As he stepped forward, he saw that Yuan Zhen had actually soared into the air, flipping higher and higher. Chi Lie Fu Xi shouted loudly and once again hurled the short halberd in his hand.

Fourth Master ... ... "Yuan Zhen looked at him in surprise

I said to go left... Yuan Zhen Dao replied: "Otherwise, we will have to go back later, wouldn't that be troublesome?"

Mu Tuo Dao: "I can help Chi Lie Fu Xi to expel the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl, but... but if that happens, Yuan Zhen will immediately regain his vitality, while Chi Lie Fu Xi will still need several days. I, Mu Tuo, alone am afraid I cannot protect both of you at the same time..."

Jiang Heng was overjoyed and said, "Yuan Zhen, are you alright?"

Mu Tuo respectfully said: "Yes"

Yuan Zhen did not respond, and once again struck out with a palm. With a similar "wave" sound, sparks erupted just the same, but the power had diminished significantly.

"What do you mean by 'we'? What do you mean by 'enemy'?" Jiang Hengqi asked, "When did I become part of 'we' with the two of you? And why is Yuan Zhen my enemy?"

Only then did Mu Tuo clumsily help Chi Lie Fu Xi to sit up properly. He then sat behind him, his hands passing under his armpits and clasping together below the navel to form a seal. With his eyes closed, he chanted a lengthy passage of scripture in a mumbling voice. His appearance perfectly echoed that of Yuan Zhen from a distance.

Yuan Zhen, wait a moment...

You ... ...

Ah... Yuan Zhen shouted loudly and knelt down.

Yuan Zhen was too weak to speak, merely nodding his head. Jiang Heng, following his body language, helped him sit cross-legged on the ground. He then saw Yuan Zhen slowly forming hand seals in front of his chest, murmuring incantations. After hearing a few words, Jiang Heng realized that he was reciting his life-protecting talisman, which made him aware of the seriousness of the situation

Almost simultaneously, Yuan Zhen opened his eyes, and his gaze regained its original brilliance

The Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl plunged into the fireball, instantly transforming the originally red flames into a strange bluish-green color. The Yuan Zhen, who had been smiling, coldly observed the fire's intensity. After a while, his expression suddenly changed, and he exclaimed, "Not good!" With a swift movement, he rushed towards the now fiery Chilian Fuxi.

"Yuan is truly our enemy. Why would the Fourth Emperor want to kill Chilian Fuxi to save him?" Mu Tuo's face was filled with terror

Yuan Zhen was greatly shocked, kneeling on the ground, and said: "Yuan Zhen has absolutely no such intention, please Fourth Master retract your command"

Chilie Fuxi struggled to retain the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl of Yuanzhen with his physical body, resulting in a significant depletion of his true essence and an unusual weakness. Therefore, after lying in the tree hollow found by Yuanzhen for three days and nights, with Mu Tuo's assistance in regulating his condition, he finally opened his eyes.

The two parties, unable to come to an agreement, were about to engage in a fierce fight. Jiang Heng spoke up to intervene, which finally led to their separation

Jiang Heng, seeing his sincere words and valuing righteousness over life, could not help but be moved. He thought to himself: "If Chi Lie and Fu Xi have such friends, they are definitely not great villains. If the Master of Extinction is indeed the so-called evil cult leader, then he should not have such subordinates. Could it be..."

"Your Excellency, the situation with Chilian Fuxi is not right. I dare not move him, so I can only let these wooden figures withdraw."

Yuan Zhen did not need to open his eyes to know that the thing he desperately needed had returned. As Jiang Heng's hand, holding the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl, approached, he immediately opened his mouth. Jiang Heng understood and placed the pearl into his mouth. Yuan Zhen, unable to contain his eagerness, swallowed the pearl right away

Mu Tuo was taken aback and asked, "Why is that?"

Just as he finished speaking, a glowing pearl shot out from the mouth of Chilian Fuxi. Jiang Heng was overjoyed and stepped forward to catch it. He had examined this pearl closely before and recognized it as the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl at a glance. Without a second thought, he took it to Yuan Zhen. Mu Tuo, observing his preferential treatment, couldn't help but feel anxious.

This peculiar situation had previously occurred on the back mountain of a certain Taoist temple. At that time, Yuan Zhen was leading him to find the person who was to provide assistance, but unexpectedly, they encountered an ambush along the way. Jiang Heng's first reaction was: "People from the Mie Du Zhu?" He quickly circled around the thicket several times. Drawing his sword, he struck down, the sound was dull, and the wood was exceptionally hard.

After a short while, they arrived at a fork in the road. Yuan Zhen walked on the left side and naturally turned left, while Chi Lie and Fu Xi walked on the right side and naturally veered to the right. After taking two steps, both of them stopped simultaneously and exchanged glances.

Mu Tuo spoke passionately, saying: "That's right!"

Upon hearing this, Chilian, Mu Tuo, and Yuan Zhen immediately retreated back to Jiang Heng's side